One News Now: Schools gradually absorb more responsibility for children

A mother says it is very disturbing to see a growing number of schools rather than parents taking the lead on nutrition.

Schools have been offering lunch for decades, and breakfast has been a more recent addition to school menus. Now, some schools are offering dinner. There is even a push in Congress to get schools to provide meals during holidays and weekends. Meanwhile, some school board members are pushing take-home snacks, citing concerns that children don't have enough to eat after school. That is the case in the Columbus, Mississippi school district, one of the largest in the state.

"It's a very depressing sign about our culture, having the idea that parents either are not doing this or that schools think that they can do it better," she says. "Either way, it's a very sad commentary on the culture in America."

Gunlock says children benefit most when their parents take a greater role in their nutritional development. This includes areas such as sitting down for a family dinner, limiting a child's television consumption and making sure they get enough sleep.

"What are all three of these things? They are things that parents ostensibly should be doing," she says. "These are not school lunch programs. The data doesn't show that healthy school lunches and snack packs help a child stay healthy. No, what helps a child stay healthy is actual interaction with their parents."

Gunlock adds that no one is suggesting children should starve, but it's important that we look at the real solution.

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Independent Women’s Forum’s mission is to improve the lives of Americans by increasing the number of women who value free markets and personal liberty. Sister organization of Independent Women’s Voice.